How To Know If Formica Table Top Is Water Damaged: 4 Signs

Does your Formica Table Top look water-damaged? This article can demonstrate how to know if Formica table top is water damaged.

Formica is a laminate material seen on countertops in bathrooms and kitchens. Because of sinks in kitchens and bathrooms, water can get between the Formica and the surface where it is attached. 

how to know if formica table top is water damaged

 

Signs You Have A Water Damaged Formica

Water damage can introduce itself in different ways. Below are some of the signs you need to look out for: 

  • Water stains
  • Warping and taking on unusual shapes
  • Swelling
  • Splitting and cracking

If you see these signs on your Formica, it’s time to inspect your tabletop for further signs of damage. It is advisable to learn how to repair a Formica table top so that you may prevent further damage.   

 

How To Repair A Formica That Swelled Due To Moisture

 

Step #1. Create a space between two surfaces

The first step is to take the Formica off by sliding the knife between the countertop and the Formica.

 

Step #2. Coat with contact cement

Eliminate any dirt between the two surfaces, remember that the area must be dry, and coat both the underside and the counter surface of the Formica using contact cement

Use dowel rods to keep the Formica from touching the counter surface. 

 

Step #3. Let it dry 

Let the contact cement dry, and once it dries, reattach the bottom portion of the Formica to the counter surface. Take out the dowel rods and push the Formica back to the countertop while paying careful attention to push out any bubbles. 

 

Step #4. Check if contact cement bonds

You may put a heavy object on Formica to ensure the contact cement bonds well and let the contact cement sit for at least 24 hours.

 

Step #5. Apply water sealant

To ensure no additional moisture gets in, apply water sealant to the edges of the Formica. 

Do you want to know more about repairing water damaged Formica? You can check out this article to identify how to repair water damaged formica

 

How To Keep Your Formica In Good Condition

Like any material from your home, it is essential to learn proper maintenance and care for your Formica to keep its superior quality. You can prevent water damage once you know the right practices to consider.

Below is a list of guidelines you can incorporate into your daily routine to prevent water damage to your Formica. 

 

Clean up promptly

Clean up spills immediately from your Formica. Note that Formica is porous, meaning it can absorb any type of liquid. 

If water stays too long on the Formica countertop, it can warp and take on another shape. If the water damage worsens, you have to replace it to restore its natural beauty. 

 

Avoid excessive heat

Don’t place anything tremendously hot on your Formica. Never place hot pans or hot pots on the surface of your countertop. 

Heat can damage the protective outer layer of Formica, causing the material to split and be susceptible to water damage. 

 

Avoid sharp objects

Never let all kinds of sharp objects from meeting the Formica surface. Do not cut cheese, meat, vegetables, or other types of food directly on the countertop.

Doing this can cause cut marks, and you may damage the Formica seal, making it more susceptible to water damage. 

 

Avoid abrasive materials

Using an abrasive cleaning material can cause the Formica to take more damage. It is advisable to use a water and vinegar solution to keep your Formica dirt-free and shiny. 

Formica is easy to clean since you only need to use a clean, non-abrasive cloth. Ensure that you don’t flood the laminate, especially near seams, since water can seep through the seams, causing the substrate to swell. 

 

Use a dehumidifier 

If your place is high in humidity, use a dehumidifier. A dehumidifier can help reduce moisture in your home, and this is a good idea if you live in humid areas.  

 

Best Formica Countertops

Countertops can come in many finishes like matte, etched, hones, and many more, so ensure that you see other options before ordering. Below are the best Formica countertops you may consider installing in your kitchen. 

 

Formica Carrara Bianco

It has the look of marble with its sleek white base paired with subtle gray veining. These gray-looking veins sometimes lean into a purple undertone. 

 

Formica Jet Sequoia

Choosing this Jet Sequoia is a way to a high-gloss and high-end look. This countertop looks black with a grayish-white vein through it.

 

Formica Soapstone Sequoia

Soapstone Sequoia is a countertop with cream veining. It is inspired by the soapstone design because it doesn’t have the high gloss finish commonly seen on other countertops. 

 

Conclusion

How to know if Formica table top is water damaged? If a Formica table top is water damaged, you start seeing water stains, swelling, warping, splitting, and cracking on the surface.

It’s essential to look for these signs early on to prevent any possible damage to your Formica table top.  You can check out another article here to know how to fix water damaged spot on wooden table.

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